From the 3rd April this year, if you’re a new dad and your partner is returning or has returned to work, you could have the right to up to 26 weeks' Additional Paternity Leave.

You may qualify for Additional Paternity Leave and Pay if either:

• you are the father of a child due on or after 3 April 2011
• your wife, partner or civil partner is pregnant and due to give birth to a child on or after 3 April 2011
• you and your partner receive notification that you are matched with a child for adoption on or after 3 April 2011
• your spouse, civil partner or partner (including same-sex relationships) is adopting a child from overseas and the child enters Great Britain on or after 3 April 2011

Additional Paternity Leave is for a maximum of 26 weeks. If your partner has returned to work, the leave can be taken between 20 weeks and one year after your child is born or placed for adoption. You may be entitled to receive Additional Statutory Paternity Pay during your partner's Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance or Adoption Pay period.

Additional Statutory Paternity Pay is paid if you either:

• take Additional Paternity Leave
• are not working for the purposes of caring for your child, during your partner's Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance or Statutory Adoption Pay period

How much is Statutory Paternity Pay?

Currently it is £124.88 a week or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings, if that is less.

Click here for more information about how to qualify